Camden, NJ - Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, authorized the signing of a criminal complaint against a Somerdale, Camden County man for filing a false complaint against a Trooper.

Corey J. Kaough, age 35, of Juniper Avenue in Somerdale, was charged by the State Police Office of Professional Standards with False Swearing in Camden City Municipal Court, a fourth degree offense. Kaough was released pending review of the complaint by the Camden County Prosecutor's office.

An investigation was initiated after Kaough signed a Harassment complaint against Trooper Mark Manzo as a result of a motor vehicle stop on May 17, 2003. Kaough was operating his motorcycle with two other individuals on I-676 in Camden, when the Trooper stopped them for speeding. After receiving a motor vehicle summons, Kaough appeared at Camden City Court and the Harassment complaint was issued based on Kaough's statement that the Trooper mistreated him and acted unprofessionally.

An internal investigation by the Office of Professional Standards (OPS) included a review of the incident, which was captured on the Trooper's in-car camera. The recording, which contained both audio and video, revealed the Trooper had acted in a legal, professional and impartial manner. None of the allegations made against the Trooper were found to have occurred. Kaough was also found to have been misleading when providing a statement to OPS detectives.

"The State Police remain committed to protecting the rights of every citizen, including the rights of New Jersey State Troopers," said Colonel Fuentes. "On a daily basis, our Troopers work diligently to serve the citizens in a professional, fair and impartial manner. We take complaints against our members seriously, however, false complaints will not be treated lightly."